SINGAPORE - A 27-year-old woman, who was wearing a neck brace, was unable to move her head away when her friend's father forcibly kissed her.
The woman was staying the night at a friend's house and was watching a movie on a tablet computer with her friend's 57-year-old father while her friend was asleep.
The unemployed man was jailed for nine months on Tuesday for molest. Sim Joo Beng, 57, admitted to using criminal force to outrage the modesty of the woman by stroking her head down to her buttock area, hugging her and placing his hands on her chest, and forcibly kissing her three times.
A district court heard that the victim went to stay overnight at her friend's flat on July 12 last year. Just after midnight, Sim and the victim were watching a movie on a tablet computer at the balcony of the unit.
He switched off the balcony lights and sat closer to the victim. He asked her about her past relationships. When she confided in him, Sim used his hand to stroke her. She moved away from him. He then asked her to stand by the window, claiming that he would teach her how to relax by looking at the scenery.
When the victim turned to face the balcony, he suddenly hugged her from behind and placed his hands on her breasts. She felt a pinching sensation.
She broke free and Sim then forcibly kissed her three times on the lips. She was unable to move her head away as she was wearing a neck brace due to neck injuries.
She heard her friend waking up and told Sim so. She said she wanted to sleep and was allowed to leave the balcony. The victim told her friend about her encounter. Her friend subsequently sent her home. She lodged a police report two days later.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Jason Chua cited aggravating factors such as Sim's position of trust and authority, intrusion of private parts and wrongful restraint. He said the victim was extremely traumatised and inflicted injuries on herself and is seeking treatment at the Institute of Mental Health.
Sim could have been jailed for up to two years and/or fined. He cannot be caned as he is above 50.
